More P-8s ordered by Australia, UK, USA and New Zealand

Boeing has received a $42.2bn contract to produce additional P-8A multi-mission maritime aircraft for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The latest deal covers at least 17 P-8 Poseidon aircraft under Lot 8 full-rate production, including four for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), 11 for the US Navy and the first two for the UK’s Royal Air Force. The agreement also includes options for 32 additional aircraft, as well as funds for long-lead parts for future orders. After exercising all options, the total contract value will be US$6.8bn.

In addition, the US Defence Security and Co-operation Agency (DSCA) have announced approval for the potential sale of four P-8A Poseidons to New Zealand, valued at US$1.46 bn. New Zealand’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP) have recommended retirement of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s P-3K2 Orions in the mid-2020s. Besides the P-8A, the Kawasaki P-1 and the Saab Swordfish are also under consideration.